Influenza vaccination: a practical update for pharmacists

Abstract

Worldwide, seasonal influenza epidemics and sporadic influenza pandemics result in high morbidity and mortality rates. The immunocompromised, individuals with chronic health conditions, older adults, infants and pregnant women are most at risk of severe morbidity and mortality from influenza. Annual vaccination remains the most cost-effective strategy for preventing influenza and reducing influenza-related complications, hospitalisations and deaths. Despite clear public health benefits, vaccine uptake remains suboptimal due to limited awareness, misconceptions about vaccine safety and effectiveness, low perceived influenza risk, and logistical access barriers. Pharmacists are well-positioned to improve vaccine uptake through targeted interventions such as advocacy and patient education, and directly through vaccine administration, stock management, cold-chain management and adverse event following immunisation monitoring.